Touch pad with symbols based on mode

Abstract

A multifunctional handheld device capable of operating in different modes includes a single input arrangement that provides inputs for each mode of the multifunctional handheld device. The single input arrangement includes at least an input pad that provides signals when touched or pressed. The input pad may for example be a touch pad. The input pad is divided into one or more input areas that change in accordance with the current mode of the multifunctional handheld device. The multifunctional handheld device also includes a display device that presents graphical elements to indicate the configuration of the input areas at the input pad. Each mode of the multifunctional handheld device provides a different configuration of input areas and graphical elements associated therewith.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A portable electronic device comprising:
 a display,   a first input-enabling element comprising a switch, the switch enabling generation of first input signals that activate the device,   a second input-enabling element enabling generation of second input signals,   an input-enabling touch-sensitive element associated with the display, the touch-sensitive element enabling generation of third input signals when an object touches or is moved across a surface of the touch-sensitive element and fourth input signals when an object applies pressure to the touch-sensitive element, and   a light emitting element.   
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the input-enabling touch-sensitive element comprises a first sensor that senses touch and a second sensor that senses pressure. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the light emitting element is configured to generate non-visible light. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 4  comprising a second light emitting element configured to generate visible light. 
     
     
         6 . The portable device of  claim 2 , wherein multiple device functions are selectively enabled by simultaneous receipt of at least two of the first, second, third and fourth input signals. 
     
     
         7 . The portable device of  claim 2 , wherein multiple device functions are selectively enabled by sequential receipt of at least two of the first, second, third and fourth input signals. 
     
     
         8 . The portable device of  claim 2 , wherein the input-enabling touch-sensitive element comprises at least one of a pressure sensor, a force sensor, and a capacitive sensor. 
     
     
         9 . The portable device of  claim 2  comprising an output element that enables audio output in response to receipt of at least one of the first, second, third and fourth input signals. 
     
     
         10 . The portable device of  claim 2 , wherein multiple device functions are selectively enabled by receipt of at least one of the first, second, third and fourth input signals. 
     
     
         11 . The portable device of  claim 10 , wherein at least one of the multiple device functions comprises a scrolling function. 
     
     
         12 . The portable device of  claim 10 , wherein at least one of the multiple device functions is enabled by translational movement of at least one of the input-enabling elements. 
     
     
         13 . The portable device of  claim 10 , wherein at least one of the multiple device functions is selectively enabled by simultaneous receipt of at least two of the first, second, third and fourth input signals. 
     
     
         14 . The portable device of  claim 11 , wherein the scrolling function comprises scrolling through a list.